Former Socceroo Alex Wilkinson has announced that he is hanging up the boots, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 21-year career.
The defender made a total of 16 international appearances between 2014 and 2015, representing Australia at the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, appeared in every one of the Socceroos' fixtures against Chile, the Netherlands and Spain.
Wilkinson was also a member of Ange Postecoglou's squad that conquered the continent a year later, winning the 2015 AFC Asian Cup on home soil.
His club Sydney FC announced this week that the 38-year-old has opted to retire after a making over 600 appearances for club and country, and winning 12 trophies with various clubs.
This includes five A-Leage Men's Premierships - the only player to have done so - as well as three A-League Men's Championships, two Korean League Championships, and an Australia Cup.
“I feel so lucky and privileged to have been able to play this game professionally for over 20 years,” Wilkinson told Sydney FC.
“My football career has given me more than I could have ever hoped for, and it has provided me with lasting relationships, experiences and memories that I will carry with me forever.
“But I feel now is the right time to retire and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life.
“I owe everyone at Sydney FC a huge thank you for firstly allowing me to be a part of this wonderful club for such an extended period of time, but secondly for making my time here so thoroughly enjoyable.
“I want to especially thank my family. To my wife and two kids, who have travelled with me all over the world and sacrificed so much for me to live my dream. To my mum, dad and sister who have supported me unconditionally from day one.”
Alex Wilkinson’s Career
Date Club/Country Appearances (Goals)
2002–2004 – Northern Spirit – 45 (0)
2005-2012 – Central Coast Mariners – 206 (3)
2011 – Jiangsu FC, China – 12 (0) loan
2012-2015 – Jeonbuk Motors, Korea – 86 (0)
2015-16 – Melbourne City – 10 (0)
2016-23 – Sydney FC – 221 (3)
Debut
2014 – Australia – 16 (0)
2003 – Australia U20 – 14 (0)
2001 – Australia U17 – 12 (4)
Alex Wilkinson Honours List
1 x AFC Asian Cup Champions – 2015.
3 x A-League Men’s Champions – 2016-17, 2018-19, 2019-20.
5 x A-League Men’s Premiers – 2007-08, 2011-12, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2019-20.
2 x K-League Champions – 2014, 2015.
1 x Australia Cup – 2017.
Most A-League Grand Final Appearances – 7
Most A-League Finals Series Appearances – 30
PFA A-League Team Of The Season – 2016-17, 2017-18, 2019-20
K-League Team Of The Season – 2014
Sydney FC Player Of The Season – 2020-21
A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup – 2005
OFC Championship U20 – 2002
OFC Championship U17 – 2001